Landlord Converted Fire Escapes to Balconies

The Fire Department issued a violation notice to landlord for failing to maintain a building's fire escapes in a code-compliant condition. Landlord claimed that the notice was vague, that the building had been converted from a multiple dwelling to commercial use, and that the fire escapes were converted to balconies. The ALJ ruled against landlord and fined him $750. Landlord appealed and lost. Fire escapes must be maintained absent proof that they were lawfully removed or converted to balconies. 

Owner 407 E 91: ECB App. No. 1300571 (7/25/13) [1-pg. doc.]